Wheel and Tire: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor battery may release hazardous chemicals if exposed to extreme mechanical damage. If these chemicals contact the skin or eyes, flush immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention. If any part of the battery is swallowed, contact a physician immediately. When disposing of TPMS sensors, follow the correct procedures for hazardous material disposal. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

NOTE: Failure to follow the instructions below may result in damage to the TPMS sensor.

NOTE: The TPMS sensor is mounted to the valve stem. Removal of the valve stem requires dismounting the tire from the wheel and removal of the TPMS sensor.

NOTE: Use only the 204-354 any time tire pressures are measured to be sure that accurate values are obtained.

Remove the wheel and tire. Refer to WHEEL AND TIRE .
NOTE: The valve stem is connected to the TPMS sensor. Do not pull the valve stem from the wheel, or damage to the sensor will occur.

Remove the valve stem core and fully deflate all air from the tire.
- If a new TPMS sensor is being installed, remove and discard the valve stem-to-sensor screw and the sensor.
NOTE: Do not allow the tire beads to move beyond the wheel mid-plane (middle of the wheel) when separating the beads from the wheels, damage to the TPMS sensor may occur.

NOTE: Tire and valve stem position is critical to prevent damage to the TPMS sensor when using a paddle-type bead separator.

NOTE: Some machines may have a nylon roller bead separator at the 12 o'clock position instead of the paddle-type bead separator at the 3 o'clock position.

Position the wheel and tire assembly on a suitable tire machine and separate both beads of the tire from the wheel.
- For a paddle-type tire machine, position the valve stem at the 12 o'clock or 6 o'clock position and the paddle at the 3 o'clock position.
- For a roller-type tire machine, align the valve stem with the roller at any position.
  
  Fig 1: Separating Beads Of Tire From Wheel Using Suitable Tool (Valve Stem At 12 O'Clock Position)
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Fig 2: Separating Beads Of Tire From Wheel Using Suitable Tool (Valve Stem At Any Position)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Index-mark the valve stem and wheel weight positions on the tire.

Place the wheel and tire assembly on the turntable of the tire machine with the valve stem at the 11:30 position and the machine arm at the 12 o'clock position and dismount the outer bead from the wheel.

Fig 3: Dismounting Outer Bead From Wheel Using Suitable Tool (Valve Stem At 11:30 Position)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Reset the wheel and tire assembly on the turntable of the tire machine with the valve stem at the 11:30 position and the machine arm at the 12 o'clock position and dismount the inner bead from the wheel.
NOTE: A new valve stem must be installed whenever a new tire or wheel is installed.

Remove the TPMS sensor in the following sequence.
- Using a T10 Torx®, remove the valve stem-to-TPMS sensor screw.
- Carefully and firmly, pull the sensor straight down and separate it from the valve stem.
  
  Fig 4: Locating TPMS Sensor Screw
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Use care not to damage the wheel surface when removing the valve stem.

Using a suitable valve stem puller and a wood block, remove the valve stem from the wheel.

Fig 5: Removing Valve Stem From Wheel Using Valve Stem Puller And Wood Block
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: When installing a new wheel, always install a new valve stem and sensor screw. Reuse the TPMS sensor from the previous wheel if possible. The TPMS will not have to be trained if the sensor is reused.

If the TPMS sensor is being reused, inspect the TPMS sensor for damage and install a new sensor as necessary.